Is there any meal more comforting and nostalgic than a rich, creamy baked Macaroni and Cheese? This is not just any recipe; it’s a tribute to the classic, cheesy comfort food we all know and love, elevated with a perfectly golden, crispy topping. It’s the ultimate go-to meal for a cosy night in or a hearty Sunday lunch, a true favourite in South African homes.
The secret to this deliciously creamy mac and cheese lies in the sauce. For a perfectly smooth, lump-free, and velvety base, we recommend starting with our trusted white sauce. Once you’ve mastered that simple step, the rest is a breeze! Get ready to bake a bubbly, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will have the whole family coming back for more.
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Our easy baked macaroni and cheese features a rich, velvety cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly crust. The ultimate South African family comfort food!
Ingredients
- 500 grams macaroni
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 liters water boiling
- ¼ tsp cooking oil
- 200 grams chedder cheese grated
- 50 grams bread crumbs
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil with the salt added.
- Add the oil to the water.
- Add macaroni.
- Boil until al dente - 12 - 20 minutes.
- Drain water.
- Put the macaroni in a greased pan. Pour over the white sauce to cover macaroni completely.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the dish.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C. If needed to crisp bread crumbs, grill for 3 minutes.
Notes
- The Sauce is Everything: The secret to this creamy baked mac and cheese is a perfectly smooth, lump-free white sauce. If you need a reliable recipe, refer to our guide on white sauce.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni until it is just shy of al dente (a minute or two less than the packet instructions). It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the delicious sauce without becoming mushy.
- Make a Bubbly Crust: For the perfect golden-brown, bubbly crust, use a mix of grated cheese and breadcrumbs for the topping. A light drizzle of melted butter over the topping before baking will help it brown beautifully.
- Flavour Boosts: Enhance your cheese sauce with a pinch of paprika, a dash of mustard powder, or even a little bit of grated onion for extra depth. Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavour.
- Serving Suggestions: While a meal on its own, this mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for a braai or a main for a Sunday lunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some boerewors.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 9gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 353mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
